Top Automatic Skeet Clay Throwers

If you love to go skeet shooting, an automatic clay thrower can take your sessions to the next level. These machines launch clay targets high into the air so you can practice your shooting technique for extended periods of time.

The biggest advantage of these machines?

They allow you to go shooting on your own — no need to bring along a friend to throw the clay targets for you. What’s more, the throwers can usually achieve a higher and faster throw than a person can, creating a bigger challenge.

Since a clay thrower is a relatively large investment, it’s important to pick a model that suits your budget and your unique situation. To start, look for a thrower that is easy to use, especially if you’re new to the sport. You want easier operation so you can get up to speed quickly on the device and stay safe in the field.

It’s also a good idea to look for a thrower that has enough power and speed to challenge you. A low-powered machine won’t achieve the same speed and height.

Choosing the right clay thrower can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve never worked with one before. To help, we’ve researched the available models and selected our five favorite options.

The Promatic Pigeon Clay Target Thrower is a portable machine that allows you to shoot clay pigeons from virtually any location. The thrower is designed with a sturdy metal body and durable wheels so you can roll it across a variety of terrains to get to a safe area. On the back end, a rubberized handle makes it easy to push or pull the unit into position.

With a capacity of 50 clay targets, this thrower allows you to shoot for a long period of time before stopping to restock. To release a target, simply step on the foot pedal. This mechanism keeps your hands free for shooting and also provides a safer shooting experience. If you want to shoot from a distance away from the thrower, you can buy the optional wireless remote system for more flexibility.

This Promatic model throws targets up to 70 yards away, giving you plenty of room to practice your target shooting. It angles the targets between 10 and 30 degrees; you can adjust the angle to create an easier or more difficult shot.

Pros

High capacity.

Flexible shooting angle.

User-friendly foot release.

Cons

Whether you’re new to skeet shooting or you’re working on improving your skills, the Do-All Outdoors Clay Pigeon Shooter can help you reach your goal. It’s a great intermediate shooter because it can launch clay targets to a distance of 55 yards or more, giving you a bigger challenge than larger models.

One of the best features of the Do-All Outdoors shooter is that it handles biodegradable targets, 108 mm targets, and 110 mm targets. You can test out a variety of options until you find your favorite.

This clay shooter holds up to 25 targets. After you release a clay pigeon, the shooter takes just 2.5 seconds to get ready for the next release. The smooth feeder tray transfers the target effortlessly from the feeder to the throwing arm, so you don’t need to worry about jams or uneven releases. Use this machine to shoot at angles ranging from five to 35 degrees.

Built from aircraft-grade aluminum, this clay target shooter is durable yet lightweight. It comes with ground spikes, so you can anchor it into the earth to prevent unwanted vibrations while you’re releasing targets. With the included safety ring, it’s easy to see where the throwing arm is going, even in dimmed lighting.

When it comes to safety, this unit has you covered. It comes with a safety pin that prevents the throwing arm from releasing accidentally, keeping you and your companions safe in the field. You can release the targets manually, or pair the shooter with a wireless remote for more flexibility. Simply install a 12V deep cycle marine battery to get started right away.

Pros

Made from durable aluminum.

Broad shooting angle range.

Smooth target delivery system.

Cons

Enjoy shooting on your own with the Trius 10201. This shooter is designed for one-person use, so you can head out to target practice without assistance. The Trius' one-step shooting mechanism takes the hassle out of shooting. With one motion from you, the auto shooter cocks and throws the clay target. The entire process is smooth and easy so you can stay focused on your aim.

This Trius shooter is designed to shoot in two modes. With the regulation singles option, you can shoot one target at a time. When the shooter switches to piggyback doubles mode, it releases two targets, one after another. This gives you an extra challenge.

When this model arrives, it’s partially assembled — that means that you can put it together quickly and get out into the field faster.

Pros

One-step target release.

Shoots regulation singles and piggyback doubles.

Comes partially assembled.

Cons

Durable and flexible, the Do-All Outdoors Raven Shooter is a great option for shooters of all skill levels. It comes with an integrated handle and wheels, so you can move it on your own. The wheels are rugged and durable, so you can haul it over rough ground without getting stuck.

When it comes to shooting, this unit is designed for one-person use. Simply connect the included foot pedal; when you step on the pedal, the shooter releases a clay target. With the included 25-foot cord, you can enjoy a flexible shooting position. Need more distance?

The shooter is compatible with wireless remotes. To power the shooter, simply connect a 12V deep cycle marine battery. These durable batteries allow you to shoot in a wide range of weather conditions.

The Raven offers a variety of shooting options, so you can customize it to suit your needs. Choose an angle between five and 35 degrees to fit your skill level. The throwing arm releases targets to a distance of 50 to 80 yards. Plus, you can use it with bio clays, 108 mm clays, or 110 mm targets. No matter which option you choose, the 50-target capacity will have you shooting for longer time periods before you need to refill.

Pros

Wide adjustment angle options.

Accommodates a variety of target types.

Includes foot pedal and 25-foot cord.

Cons

Older models may come with a faulty wiring harness.

#5. YONGCUN Clay Target Thrower Automatic Trap

Take your target practice to the next level with this YONGCUN Target Thrower, which holds a maximum of 50 targets at a time. It’s compatible with both 108 mm and 110 mm targets, giving you the flexibility to choose your favorite model.

When you go to shoot, you can adjust the throwing arm to any angle up to 30 degrees; this easy adjustment allows you to change the difficulty to fit your skill. With the included release cord, you can activate the shooter using a convenient foot pedal. With a light tap of your foot, the thrower releases the clay pigeon. That means that you can release and shoot at the same time.

Concerned about safety? The thrower comes with a safety ring, so you and others can always see and avoid the throwing path. There’s also a safety switch, so you can secure the arm between uses and unlock it safely.

Weighing in at 48 pounds, this thrower is easy to maneuver by yourself. It features two thick, durable wheels that roll smoothly into position. A sturdy handle enables you to move and roll the shooter.

Pros

Flexible shooting angle.

Included foot pedal for easy release.

Safety ring creates awareness.

Cons

best automatic skeet clay thrower

Each of these clay skeet shooters can help you shoot on your own. Our top recommendation is the Promatic Pigeon Clay Target Thrower. We love its convenient setup and powerful adjustment options, especially for solo shooters. Check out the Promatic Pigeon Clay Target Thrower today to take your target practice to the next level.

Buying Guide

When you buy a clay skeet shooter, you’re going to part with a significant amount of money, which is why it is well worth your time to do some research in advance. You want to make sure you’re getting the thrower that best suits your abilities, goals, and needs. Here are some things to consider when you’re looking at different thrower models.

Capacity

When you’re working on your target-shooting abilities, you go through a lot of clay targets. That’s why it’s helpful to consider the capacity of the target thrower. Models with higher capacities allow you to shoot for a longer period of time. This allows you time to find a rhythm. Keep in mind that higher-capacity models are usually heavier than lower-capacity shooters. If you’re shooting alone, or if you have a smaller frame, it might be tougher to haul the extra weight into the field.

Throwing Distance

Throwing distance is the distance that the clay target travels before it falls to the ground. Machines with a shorter throwing distance present a greater challenge — after all, you have less time to hit the target before it hits the ground. The farther the distance, the more time you have. For a beginning shooter, that extra distance can be useful.

Release Mechanism

Many shooters buy clay target throwers because they like the freedom to go shooting anywhere they want without needing to wait for another person. Therefore its important to find a release mechanism that fits your situation. The release mechanism governs whether or not you have a comfortable one-person shooting experience.

Some models feature mechanisms that are integrated into the thrower itself. Often, these require more pressure and strength, which can be challenging if you’re a smaller person. A better option is a foot pedal, which requires gentle pressure and allows you to maintain a great shooting position. It’s also a good idea to check out the included cable. Longer cables allow you to move farther from the thrower for safety and convenience.

Launching Angle

Most clay target throwers feature an adjustable throwing arm so you can change the angle of the target. Why does this matter? Shooting at different angles helps you work on your flexibility and adaptability — two abilities you need if you plan to go hunting or shoot in competition. As you’re comparing different models, look at two things: the minimum angle and the maximum angle. This tells you how much range you have when you’re adjusting the throwing arm.

Final Verdict

A clay target thrower can transform your target practice sessions, giving you freedom and flexibility. By choosing the model that fits your goals and budget, you can get a thrower that will last for years.

The Official Top 5 Review team is dedicated to testing and researching the top products available for many different industries. We do the research and testing so that you don't have to! We welcome you to provide your feedback on your experiences with any products that you have experience with.